THE second stage of the government's road map out of lockdown will go ahead as planned on Monday, which means venues and businesses across Wyre Forest will be able to reopen their doors for the first time since the start of January.

The Prime Minister unveiled his four-stage plan to lead the country out of a third national lockdown in February.

Pupils across England returned to the classrooms on March 8 in the first stage of Boris Johnson’s plan to lead the country out of lockdown.

On March 29, groups of up to six people were allowed to gather outside in parks or public gardens ahead of Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts returned, as well as organised adult and children’s sport including grassroots football and golf

The “stay at home” order ended, and the government encouraged people to stay local where possible instead.

With stage two set to go ahead on April 12, people across the country will be able to enjoy a number of freedoms they have had to go without for months.

Shops will open

Non-essential shops across Wyre Forest will be allowed to reopen. That includes clothing shops, homeware shops, toy shops, vehicle showrooms (other than for rental), betting shops, tailors, tobacco and vape shops, electronic goods shops and mobile phone shops.

A spokesman for the Swan Shopping Centre said: "Shopping is coming back to Kidderminster and we can't wait to see you again.

"We will have measures in place to help keep you safe when you visit us, but we need your help to keep everyone safe.

"Follow social distancing measures, plan your shop, follow the one way arrows.

"Follow government guidance in relation to wearing a face covering. This currently means guests must wear a face covering in shops.

"Please plan ahead and bring a suitable face covering with you. It is mandatory to wear a face covering in shops, unless exempt for medical reasons, and individual retailers will have their own policies on how to ensure compliance.

"You are not required to wear a face covering while eating in restaurants/cafes. However, please wear your face covering when you order food to take away."

People can drink and eat out (outside)

From Monday, April 12, six people or two households will be able to sit together and enjoy a meal or drink outdoors - and there's no requirement for a "substantial meal" this time.

‘Outdoors’ refers to private gardens and any other outdoor space, which includes beer gardens, cafes or restaurants with outdoor seating spaces, and hospitality areas in venues like zoos and theme parks, which are also due to reopen at this time.

Social distancing rules will still apply, so people will have to wear masks when moving around or using the bathroom and stay two metres apart.

Newly-elected Wyre Forest CAMRA branch chairman Rob Budworth said the reopening of beer gardens on April 12 is a "welcome step in getting the hospitality industry back on its feet".

He said: "We understand the caution needed in staged reopening to ensure coronavirus infection rates continue to fall.

"We also look forward to socialising indoors from May 17, again provided that people respect the rules.

"This is a welcome step in getting the hospitality industry back on its feet and allowing some long-suffering businesses to trade again."

To see a list of the pubs and bars reopening in Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley, click here.

You can get a haircut - and go to the gym!

Personal care premises such as hairdressers, beauty and nail salons, and indoor leisure facilities such as gyms can open their doors – but not saunas and steam rooms, which are due to open at Step 3. 

Following the government announcement, Places Leisure, which runs Wyre Forest Leisure Centre in Kidderminster, confirmed its centres will reopen on Monday, April 12.

A spokesman said: "We want to reassure you that all the necessary safety and social distancing measures are in place so we're ready to welcome you back. We have a Covid-19 secure risk assessment that has been checked and approved by Environmental Health Officers."

Priority booking for gym and swimming sessions is now available. Studio classes however will be unavailable until mid-May in line with government guidance.

Gym-goers are asked to arrive ready for their activity and bring minimal belongings with them to their session.

You can can go on safari - but book in advance!

West Midland Safari Park is due to reopen in line with government guidance on Monday.

The park, which has been closed since early January, will welcome guests back to its walk-through attractions, theme park rides, food outlets, shops, and of course, its four-mile safari drive-through.

Managing director Chris Kelly said “After what has been a very long winter and an extremely tough 18 months for everyone during this global pandemic, we’re thrilled to be seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, starting with the park’s reopening next week!

“Our staff have been working incredibly hard to prepare all areas of the park, so that guests can have a safe and enjoyable visit when we welcome them back.

"We will be encouraging our guests to continue to adhere to all our safety procedures and will be monitoring government guidelines closely, as we navigate our way through the months ahead in lifting various measures."

Various safety measures will be in place, including regular disinfecting of public areas, additional hand sanitising stations, limiting the number of guests entering shops, takeaway food offerings only, and new signage to ensure social distancing is adhered throughout.

The park will also be implementing the government’s mandatory NHS Test and Trace Scheme, which all guests over the age of sixteen must check in to upon arrival.

The park’s food outlets will be operating as takeaway propositions for the time being, and indoor attractions including Lorikeet Landing, Reptile House, Aquarium and Twilight Cave will remain closed for now.

Guest numbers are limited for safety reasons, so visitors are being asked to book all tickets in advance to guarantee entry at wmsp.co.uk.

Other businesses allowed to open from April 12 include: 

  • Auction houses (except for auctions of livestock or agricultural equipment)
  • Libraries
  • Drive-in cinemas
  • Drive-in performances
  • Community centres

When will further changes be announced?

So far, the road map has continued to go ahead on schedule however ministers have stressed that these dates are subject to change based on the data.

That means there is a chance further easing of restrictions planned for next month may not happen on May 17 as planned, if the four tests are not met.

Those four tests are:

  • The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully
  • Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated
  • Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS
  • Assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new variants of Concern

On Monday, Boris Johnson, setting out the move to the second step of the road map on Monday, said the shift was "fully justified by the data".

He said that he had seen nothing to make him think he would have to deviate from his intention to scrap all restrictions by June 21 at the earliest.